Smoking a turkey: Vertical or horizontal on a rack?

Mark

Any suggestions on best method for smoking a turkey? I was planning on using the vertical rack, but then saw many other posts where people have done it horizontal. Smoking my first turkey on Christmas Day.

BlueSmoke

Mark,
My experience is limited, but my horizontal turkeys have lacked golden crispy skin on the lower sides (back, underside of wings & drums) that I get with verticals. As far as the meat goes, they're both delicious.
'Course, if the birds too big for vertical you may not have a choice.
Ken

Puj

Ken,[p]I sit my turkeys in a V-Rack. To get a good, crisp skin, start with the turkey breast side down. Flip the turkey when the internal breast temp is between 120°F and 135°F and leave the bird this way for the rest of the cook. Comes out pretty good.[p]Puj

BlueSmoke

Puj,
Thanks. Now "no more tan lines" on an otherwise gorgeous bird, even if she's "plus-size." [p]Ken

Shelby

Mark,
I always go with horizontal, directly on grill over a drip pan. Usually, my birds are too big to go vertical, especially if I use the plate setter.